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Toddlers are usually ready to say bye-bye to their crib and switch to a "big kid" bed anytime between ages two and three (though if your tot is tall and already attempting escape from the crib, sooner may be safer than later). Most love the idea and transition easily (often with less angst than Mom!). Others stay stubbornly resistant to this (and just about any) change and will need more careful coaxing. To help the both of you make the transition and rest easy, try the following:

Time it right. If your toddler's life is already chock-full of change — new baby brother or sister, new school, weaning, toilet training — wait before introducing the big-kid bed. This should be an exciting transition for everyone, not one that's overwhelming or scary.

Read all about it. Find a few books about the big move, and share them with your toddler. Point out that the characters in the book are "just like you," and just as bravely moving on to their new bed.

Get him involved. After first going solo to pick out a few suitable bed models (relatively close to the floor, firm mattress, and able to accept guardrails, if necessary), take your tot to check them out and help you choose the one you both like best. Pick out new sheets and a quilt (if he needs one) while you're at it (and don't forget the waterproof pad or rubber sheet!). At home, make the bed together, and let your child decorate it with his favorite books, toys, and stuffed animals.

Give it time. If your child is excited about the change, you can remove the crib right away. If he's hesitant, leave it be, for now. Let him play on his new bed, nap there during the day, and snuggle there with you for story time, but don't insist that he settle in for nighttime. He might need the comfort of his crib for a few more days (or even weeks), along with your patience and reassurance.

Keep it safe. If your child is a restless sleeper, install guardrails on both sides of the bed (even when one side is pushed up against a wall, your child can push the bed away from the wall and get wedged between it and the bed). If the rails don't extend the full length of the bed, cushion the floor around it with pillows, a plush rug, blanket, sleeping bag, or old mattress (toddlers tumble and turn a lot, and always seem to find a way onto the floor).

Watch out for nighttime wandering. Don't be surprised if your tot takes advantage of his new freedom and turns into a jack-in-the-box, constantly popping out of bed for a drink of water, a snuggle with Mom, or some other escape-from-my-room excuse. Just put him back in bed, tuck him in, say good night, and don't make a fuss about it. Protracted conversation or lying down with him will encourage his nighttime wandering. You want him to sleep.

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